pockets full of clutches

10.07.2011

Here’s my little story, I hope you find it worth while. If you’ve been reading my blog for any length of time you’ll realize I love to make bags and wallets and little useful day-to-day stuff. I can’t help it, somehow making something that I can use over and over again brings me so much joy. The other part is that I love dreaming up my own designs, and bringing them to life is incredibly fulfilling (and time consuming). You see, I have this extremely practical side that is always looking over my shoulder. I spot a cute pattern or tutorial someone has made and I just can’t wait to try it. I don’t find it any less satisfying to sew things that others have designed, in fact, it’s incredibly rewarding in and of itself. I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t be sewing today if I hadn’t taken the time to explore what others were sewing and given it a try myself. I’ve learned so much. From every project I pick up little tricks or maybe figure out a new construction method. Not only is it fun to support fellow sewists, I get a little peek into their world. Another way that sewing is just so amazing to me. Okay, enough with my super deep thoughts for the day…

So the end of that little story ends like this: I bought Keyka Lou‘s (now named Michelle’s Patterns) pocket clutch pattern at least two years ago and just haven’t taken the time to sew it up. Well now I can say I did, and love it. I definitely recommend this pattern (plus she has an infinite number of other patterns) it’s such a nice satisfying little project that uses hardly any fabric, but you get that wow factor. Awesome, right?!

I couldn’t believe that after sitting down and sewing for a few hours that I had 4 pretty little clutches each going out to a special woman in my life. Oh, and you know I had to make one for myself. I’d been saving up my special scrap of Heather Ross‘s paper hats fabric I had gotten from her studio sale last year.

So I hope this weekend you can maybe sit down and sew something you’ve always wanted to but have always brushed aside. And thank you so much for supporting me by purchasing my patterns, using my tutorials, and leaving such amazing and generous comments. Thank you. ♥ oh and hope everyone at Sewing Summit has a blast!!!!

oh my goodness these are totally cute Anna!! Some days it’s so comforting to follow a pattern. I feel I get to play more with fabric when I don’t have to come up with the design myself.Lucky ladies to be receiving such a cute clutch!!

LOVE! Wow, those are super cute and practical…love the bluish-paisley pattern one but they are all wonderful! Nice work! I love you cute, practical items! Aren’t you glad it all began with those 2 zippered pouches you made for me? Just look at how many awesome things you have created since then!!!

Oh, they are gorgeous…and I love how they’re each so different. I have plenty of patterns that have been sitting in a pile for several years…perhaps you’ve inspired me to break a couple of them open! Have a wonderful weekend!

I love using other people’s patterns! Most of the hard work is already done which leaves more time for deciding what fabrics to use I have that same Liberty print (bottom clutch in first photo) and can’t decide what to use it for!

I LOVE Michelle’s patterns and own far too many! That said… I just came across your blog and am loving it too! Now that the coffee’s poured, I can take a little time and get to know you!Have a great weekend, Kimberly

I’ve made this pattern too using the Echino woodland print with the spiderweb focused on the closure tab. I really enjoyed making that little clutch. Right now I am slogging through some large and complicated duffle bags. I can’t wait to get back to small satisfying projects like these.

when I read your post…I said to myself..this is exactly how I feel I have bought a few patterns from Keyka Lou…some of them was bought over a year ago. After seeing your clutches..I think I will have to try to make some myself. They are so cute! I especially like the orange one with the paper hat. The fabric is so adorable. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us.

I totally own a few of her patterns and I have yet to make one! Don’t know what that’s about. Seeing yours makes me want to finally make one. I think I even have the same one you have but it may actually be the other cute little bubble shaped pouch. It’s been so long I’m not even sure. Yikes.

Darling!! Those would so cute just sitting on a coffee table in a bowl to admire!! heheI love the teal paisley one the best! Is that detail stitching on the flap??I love Keyka Lou’s patterns! And very much love your blog and all you do for us crafters to let us use your tutorials!! Thank you!

Love Michelle’s patterns! I just cut out a ‘litte dumpling’ to match your ‘Go Anywhere’ Bag pattern I made last night/this morning! Will send you photos as I’ve made two “Go Anywhere’ Bags this week, yes patterns I’ve wanted to make and FINALLY sat down and just did them! Love you patterns Anna, somewhere is a ruffled clutch I made for a friend, still haven’t seen her to give it to!

I can’t find the pattern to these clutches and it is KILLING ME! can you send me a more direct link? I have spent a lot of time looking for the pattern on KeykaLou’s website…PLEASE? You did such a cute job…